What was your last career change?
My most recent career change represents a strategic shift, from the federal government to academia, research, and health partnerships.
After more than 30 years working in IT within the Government of Canada, most notably as Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Finance Canada, where I led IM/IT operations and large-scale digital and AI transformations, I decided to redirect my expertise toward a role with meaningful impact at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Medicine.
Since January 2026, in my role as Senior Lead Strategist, I’ve been using my executive experience to help align IT partnerships between the Faculty, hospitals, and senior leadership, while supporting academic, research, and strategic partnership priorities.
In short, I moved from a government technology governance role to a strategic influence role within the academic and health research ecosystem, with a strong focus on innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
What made it successful?
What has contributed most to my success so far is the experience and lessons I’ve accumulated throughout my career. Those years helped me develop a solid understanding of governance, leadership, and digital transformation within complex environments.
That said, I’m still very early in my journey with the Faculty of Medicine. Right now, my contribution is based more on listening, collaborating, and openness, taking the time to understand the realities of academia, research, and partnership realities, and building relationships based on trust.
I’ve also never been afraid to change roles, environments, or take on new challenges. This willingness for continuous learning and adapting has allowed me get the most out of every experience and continue to grow professionally.
I still see myself as a learner, and it’s probably this humility and curiosity that helps me the most at this new stage.
What was the biggest challenge in adapting to your new role?
The biggest challenge so far has been quickly familiarizing myself with the academic, research, and partnership environment, which is quite different from the government setting I’ve known for many years.
Understanding priorities, internal dynamics, and processes specific to the Faculty of Medicine, while figuring out how my experience could truly add value requires a lot of listening and adaptation.
It also pushes me to take on a more collaborative approach, taking the time to build trust and better understand the needs of the various stakeholders. Although I’ve only been in the role for two months, this challenge has reinforced the importance of staying flexible, curious, and open to learning in any new professional context.
What tasks do you find AI most helpful for in your role?
In my role, I use mainly use AI to support and accelerate my analysis and synthesis of complex information. Whether that’s reviewing reports, strategic documents, or technology trends, continuing to apply my own judgment and draw my own conclusions for decision-making and partnership planning.
It also saves me time in preparing summaries and presentations, ensuring that key points are covered, but always under my supervision and critical analysis.
I’m also exploring automated reporting tools, such as those recently introduced in the Microsoft Copilot suite. This highlights the importance of verifying the reliability and relevance of data sources so that AI-generated outputs complement and enhance my own analytical work rather than replace it.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career change?
The most important advice I’d give is to stay curious and open to learning. Changing roles, especially to a new environment, requires flexibility and a willingness to understand new dynamics, cultures, and ways of working.
It’s also important to draw from past experiences, while recognizing that each role is unique and requires a tailored approach. Taking the time to build trusting relationships and actively listening to colleagues and partners helps make the transition smoother.
Finally, don’t hesitate to take on new challenges, even if they feel intimidating at first. Every change is an opportunity to grow, expand your skills, and make a broader impact—and it’s often by stepping outside of your comfort zone that you learn the most.
How can colleagues help someone transition into their new responsibilities?
Colleagues can make a big difference by listening, supporting and sharing their experience. They can help by explaining organizational practices and dynamics, offering insights on priorities, and providing constructive feedback on early initiatives.
I also believe that a collaborative and supportive approach— whether through informal conversations, strategic discussions, or practical advice—facilitates a better understanding of context more quickly and accelerates integration into the new role, while strengthening trust and collaboration.
If you were a chocolate bar, which one would you be?
Honestly, I can’t choose… I love them all!
What ingredient should never be found on a pizza?
Ketchup! Never! My mother’s pizza sauce is sacred, no way I’m going to ruin it!
What three items would you bring if you were shipped to a deserted island?
Chocolate, to survive with a bit of sweetness.
Pizza, because essential food is no joke.
A good beer, to top it off and keep spirits up!